Optical storage system using an antenna for recording information data to a phase-change type medium

Abstract

An assembly and method for recording and/or reading high-density data includes a phase change media, an antenna placed adjacent the phase change media, and a source of electromagnetic radiation.

1. An assembly for at least one of recording and reading data, comprising:
 a phase change media; 
 an antenna placed adjacent said phase change media; and 
 a source of electromagnetic radiation to provide an incident wave of electromagnetic radiation to drive said antenna so as to produce non-propagating, near-field electromagnetic radiation from said antenna, wherein said antenna comprises an elongated antenna having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a direction extending from said antenna toward said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity which is lower than or equal to a substrate supporting said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.6 W/mK in a crystalline phase. 
 
     
     
       2. An assembly for at least one of recording and reading data, comprising:
 a phase change media; 
 an antenna placed adjacent said phase change media; and 
 a source of electromagnetic radiation to provide an incident wave of electromagnetic radiation to drive said antenna so as to produce non-propagating, near-field electromagnetic radiation from said antenna, wherein said antenna comprises an enlongated antenna having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a direction extending from said antenna toward said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity which is lower than or equal to a substrate supporting said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.2 W/mK in an amorphous phase. 
 
     
     
       3. A method of at least one of recording and reading data, comprising:
 providing a source of electromagnetic radiation; 
 providing a phase change media; and 
 positioning an antenna adjacent said phase change media which receives said electromagnetic radiation so as to produce non-propagating, near-field electromagnetic radiation, wherein said antenna comprises an elongated antenna having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a direction extending from said antenna toward said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity which is less than or equal to a substrate, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.6 W/mK in a crystalline phase. 
 
     
     
       4. A method of at least one of recording and reading data, comprising:
 providing a source of electromagnetic radiation; 
 providing a phase change media; and 
 positioning an antenna adjacent said phase change media which receives said electromagnetic radiation so as to produce non-propagating, near-field electromagnetic radiation, wherein said antenna comprises an elongated antenna having a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a direction extending from said antenna toward said phase change media, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity which is less than or equal to a substrate, 
 wherein said phase change media has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.2 W/mK in an amorphous phase.